Dressed to Impress

Budget Blinds owner Jana Florek sheds some light on how her company dresses some of the most impressive windows in the area.

By: Ken McEntee
Date: 03/11/2009
Budget Blinds is a catchy name, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

“There is sometimes a misconception that the word ‘budget’ means cheap,” admits Jana Florek, who owns the local franchise along with her husband Mark. “In reality, ‘budget’ means that we have products that fit within your budget, regardless of how large or small that might be. We have a style for everybody.”

It’s true.

Budget Blinds has dressed the windows in mobile homes and in the luxury homes of some of Northeast Ohio’s most celebrated professional athletes, as well as slightly larger buildings—like the Westlake Recreation Center and Coppertop at Cherokee Hills Country Club.

Another misconception is that Budget Blinds only sells blinds.

Not true.

“A lot of people don’t realize that we also carry a large selection of beautiful draperies, along with custom shutters and shades of all styles,” Jana explains. “We specialize in anything that covers or dresses a window.”
Budget Blinds offers a nearly limitless selection of wood, faux wood, composite, vinyl, aluminum and fabric blinds; wood and composite interior shutters; and custom shades that include roller shades, roman shades, pleated shades, cellular shades, woven wood shades and sheer shadings.

Its selection of products is impressive, but customer service is where Budget Blinds stands out from home improvement stores and department stores that sell window coverings.

To ensure that everything is perfect, Mark handles all of the installations himself.

“Having the owner of the company doing the installation instead of subcontractors is huge,” insists Heather O. Topp, designer and sales consultant. “Mark really cares about what he is doing and is a genuinely nice guy.”
Heather, who was a delighted Budget Blinds customer before she joined Jana and Mark, said the company’s focus on customer service sets it apart from many other businesses.

“Customer service is a lost art today,” she says. “Little things make a big difference, like taking your shoes off in the customer’s house, vacuuming up after yourself, and simply showing up when you say you’re going to show up. Jana and Mark have that commitment to the customer—that’s why I love working for them.”

Although Jana and Mark opened a showroom in Strongsville last summer, at Budget Blinds the entire process, from the complimentary initial consultation to design and selection to installation, is almost always done right in your home—where your windows are. That means you don’t have to drive to a department store, peruse the drapery samples, wonder whether they will go with the carpeting, then pray that you measured correctly.

That’s how Budget Blinds takes the “pane” out of purchasing window coverings.

“Our van is loaded with all of the samples and fabrics we have in the showroom,” Heather explains. “It’s so much easier to be on site where we can work with you to make the perfect choices for you and your home.”
Unlike the home improvement and department stores, Jana and Heather, who handle all consultations, aren’t just order takers. They are trained interior designers. That means they can share their expertise and experience—often helping customers avoid bad (and sometimes expensive) decisions.

“We’ll help you with colors and fashion ideas,” promises Heather. “Most importantly, though, we listen. We ask a lot of questions and take the time to share ideas so that the end result is perfect. We share the latest trends and fashions and discuss what will work in a particular home or room.”
Although appearance is important, there are other things to consider when you choose a window covering, like functionality, energy savings and the safety of children and pets. Budget Blinds offers motorized blinds and shades that are conveniently operated by remote control—perfect for seniors, people with disabilities, and guys who like James Bond-style gadgets. Jana and Heather can even help you choose cordless draperies that don’t create safety issues for the kids.















And you never have to worry about measuring wrong.
“We insist on doing the measurements ourselves, which is one of the reasons we come to your home,” Jana says. “This way, if something is wrong, it’s our problem, not yours. We know what the trouble spots might be and what to watch out for.
Budget Blinds carries its own Signature line, like the Murano line of fabric blinds that combines the functionality of a two-inch wood blind with the look of honeycomb that lets light subtly filter through. The company also carries other popular makes, like the upscale Hunter Douglas line.
“We’re a Hunter Douglas priority dealer, which means we get special deals that we can offer to our customers,” Jana says.















Jana says Budget Blinds offers the best warranty in the business.

“Our blinds come in good, better and best levels to meet anybody’s budget, and they all are covered by a five-year, no-questions-asked guarantee,” she notes. “Our warranty doesn’t come with a list of restrictions. If the dog chews the blinds, they are covered. If your child takes the scissors to a shade, you’re covered.”

And if there is ever a problem, you don’t call an 800-number. You call Jana.

“Most dealers tell you to call the manufacturer if you have a problem,” she says. “We don’t want you go through that hassle. We want to handle it for you.”

Budget Blinds, which started in California 17 years ago, has about 1,000 franchises across the country. Jana, who earned a degree in interior design from Miami University, was looking to go back to work after being a stay-at-home mom when she discovered Budget Blinds and bought a franchise in 2004. She ran the business out of her home until she opened the showroom in June 2008.

“The showroom is another option for people to see our products displayed in a real setting,” Heather explains.
“We still like to do our appointments at the customers’ home, but this gives people another option to see what we what we offer.”

What they offer, Jana says, is “a quality product at a reasonable price. Our manufacturers love us because of the tremendous volume we do, so we’re able to get very good prices and pass them along. We are ideal for the very busy customer who doesn’t have time to shop around. We come to you at your convenience.”

To schedule a no-cost initial consultation, you can call or stop in to Budget Blinds’ showroom. Showroom consultant Nadine Talarico will be happy to arrange your appointment. The showroom is located at 14761 Pearl Road, in Strongsville. Call 440-572-2480. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday and Monday by appointment. Visit www.budgetblinds.com/Strongsville. You might keep in mind that Budget Blinds gift certificates make great gifts for newlyweds.

Email This Story To A Friend

Your Friend's Email Address:

Your Name:

Your Email Address: